Transport Minister Inspects Three Ports in Banten to Ensure Smooth Homecoming Traffic Flow
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi inspected three ports in Banten region—Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ) Bojonegara, Ciwandan, and Merak ports—on 15–16 March 2026. The inspection was conducted to ensure smooth management of the Jawa–Sumatra crossing operations for both freight and passenger transport.
“The condition of BBJ Bojonegara Port on Sunday evening was monitored as busy yet orderly, with the overall port situation appearing safe and under control. All trucks have entered the port area and are queuing to board vessels. In essence, there was no vehicle congestion outside the port,” said Dudy.
He noted that 12 vessels are operating at BBJ Bojonegara Port, which remains sufficient to transport logistics vehicles heading to Sumatra.
The Transport Ministry, together with relevant parties, has prepared mitigation measures in case the number of freight vehicles at BBJ Bojonegara Port increases, by directing them towards buffer zones at KM 43 and KM 68 until the port returns to normal conditions. Another mitigation measure involves preparing parking facilities in the PT BAM area capable of accommodating up to 4,000 vehicles.
Dudy stressed that his ministry consistently implements a Joint Decision (SKB) agreed with the Ministry of Public Works and Indonesia’s Police regarding port allocation based on axes and vehicle categories.
“Although conditions at Merak Port are relatively quiet, logistics vehicles in classes 7, 8, and 9 heading to Sumatra will still pass through BBJ Bojonegara Port. We must remain consistent with the agreements made,” he stated.
Meanwhile, at Ciwandan and Merak ports, conditions were monitored as busy yet orderly. At these two ports, homecoming travellers using motorcycles and cars were only queuing to board vessels with no congestion outside the port area.
Based on data compiled by PT ASDP, the realised number of passengers crossing from Jawa to Sumatra on H-6 Eid reached 48,286 people. Meanwhile, two-wheeled vehicles crossing during the same period reached 4,446 units.
The number of four-wheeled vehicles crossing from Jawa to Sumatra on H-6 Eid reached 6,544 units, whilst trucks crossing during the same period totalled 1,290 units. The number of buses crossing reached 296 units.
Dudy assessed that the services provided by operators and field personnel to homecoming travellers were good and well-measured. Nevertheless, he promised to conduct a comprehensive evaluation if there were services that fell short of optimal standards for the public.
He added that facilities at Ciwandan and Merak ports were already adequate to serve homecoming travellers. Various facilities have been provided, ranging from rest areas, children’s play rooms, health posts, workshops, to UMKM food stalls that can be utilised at any time.
Dudy appealed to all stakeholders to continue collaborating to ensure that the management of Eid homecoming and return traffic at BBJ Bojonegara, Ciwandan, and Merak ports could proceed smoothly according to operational plans. He also hoped that homecoming travellers could enjoy a comfortable journey and arrive safely at their hometowns.
“Equally important, I request the public and all stakeholders to remain vigilant about extreme weather potentially occurring in the Sunda Strait. If bad weather such as high waves occurs, the KSOP (port authority) must immediately inform field personnel. This way, officers can implement mitigation to prevent vehicle congestion heading to the ports,” he concluded.